According to the Japan RV Association, the number of registered RVs in Japan grew from 95,000 in 2016 to 173,000 in 2026. Prices for truck-chassis models (cabcon) start at 12 million yen, while kei-car-based models start at 3 million yen. Resale value retention reaches 60–70%, and loans can be arranged for 10–15 years. The country has 605 RV parks with electricity, toilets, and access to baths; the association plans to increase this to 1,000.
Beginner recommendations
An author with over 7 years of car-sleeping experience recommends three items for beginners:
- WAQ inflatable mattress, about 8 cm thick (6,980 yen) — levels out floor unevenness.
- Anker 535 portable power station, 512 Wh (64,900 yen) — powers devices without running the engine.
- FUNLOGY LED lantern with adjustable brightness and color temperature, 4000 mAh battery, IPX4 water resistance (6,980 yen).
Sources also note that the article is the second part; the first part contains other recommendations.